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<div class="heading">Tablets of Testimony</div>

<p class="topic">Below are <i>quick links</i> to the topics within this page.</p>
<p class="topic"><a href="#whereTablets">Where're the Tablets?</a></p>
<p class="topic"><a href="#arkIsTabletsAre">Where the Ark is tablets are</a></p>
<p class="topic"><a href="#tabletsViewed">Tablets viewed at the coming era?</a>
<br/>&nbsp; &nbsp; <a href="#holyPlaceEra">Holy Place era</a>
<br/>&nbsp; &nbsp; <a href="#mostHolyPlaceEra">Most Holy Place era</a>
</p>
<br/>

<p class="topic">Below are <i>links</i> to related pages on this site.</p>
<p class="topic"><a href="tenCommandments.html">Ten Commandments</a></p>
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Isaiah 35
Joy of the Redeemed 
    5 Then will the eyes of the blind be opened 
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Isaiah 35
Joy of the Redeemed 
    1 The desert and the parched land will be glad; 
       the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. 
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    5 Then will the eyes of the blind be opened 
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Footnotes:

Isaiah 35:8 Or / the simple will not stray from it 


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<p>"Tablets of testimony" (Exodus 31:18, 32:15, 34:29) are also called 
"tablets of the covenant" (Exodus 34:28, Deuteronomy 4:13, 9:9,11,15; 1 Kings 8:9, 2 Chronicles 5:10, Hebrews 9:4); 
because it is the covenant God made with Israel and wrote them on stone.
Judiasm believe that each 5 laws were inscribed separately on each tablets. 
They could be right about the inscription, however since we don't have the two tablets, 
no one really can confirm how the "Ten Declarations" are separately inscribed on the tablets.
The scripture concerning the "Tablets of Testimony" is as follows:
</p>

<h5>1st tablets</h5>
<p>The first set of tablets were fully the work of God and were inscribed on both sides.
<br/>"And Moses turned, and went down from the mount, and the two tables of the testimony were in his hand: <b>the tables were written on both their sides</b>; on the one side and on the other were they written. 
And <b>the tables were the work of God, and the writing was the writing of God</b>, graven upon the tables." Exodus 32:15-16
</p>
<p>Moses brake the 1st set of tablets.
<br/>"And it came to pass, as soon as he came nigh unto the camp, that he saw the calf, and the dancing: and Moses' anger waxed hot, and he cast the tables out of his hands, and brake them beneath the mount." Exodus 32:19
</p>

<h5>2nd tablets</h5>
The 2nd tablets are chiseled by man and inscribed by God.
<ul>
<li>"And the LORD said unto Moses, <b>Hew thee two tables of stone like unto the first: and I will write upon these tables the words that were in the first tables</b>, which thou brakest." Exodus 34:1</li>
<li>"And he hewed two tables of stone like unto the first; and Moses rose up early in the morning, and went up unto mount Sinai, as the LORD had commanded him, and took in his hand the two tables of stone." Exodus 34:4</li>
<li>"And he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water. And <b>he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments</b>." Exodus 34:28
  <br/>Note the "he" who wrote upon the tables in Ex 34:28 is LORD God, not Moses.
</li>
</ul>
<p>Again in another place.
<br/>"These words the LORD spake unto all your assembly in the mount out of the midst of the fire, of the cloud, and of the thick darkness, with a great voice: and he added no more. And <b>he wrote them in two tables of stone, and delivered them unto me</b>." Deuteronomy 5:22
</p>
Reconfirm again and notice where the tablets are placed.
<blockquote>Deuteronomy 10 <span class="small">(King James Version)</span>
<br/><sup class="verseNum">1</sup> At that time the LORD said unto me, <b>Hew thee two tables of stone like unto the first</b>, and come up unto me into the mount, and make thee an ark of wood. 
<br/><sup class="verseNum">2</sup> And I will write on the tables the words that were in the first tables which thou brakest, and thou shalt put them in the ark. 
<br/><sup class="verseNum">3</sup> And I made an ark of shittim wood, and hewed two tables of stone like unto the first, and went up into the mount, having the two tables in mine hand. 
<br/><sup class="verseNum">4</sup> And <b>he wrote on the tables, according to the first writing, the ten commandments</b>, which the LORD spake unto you in the mount out of the midst of the fire in the day of the assembly: and the LORD gave them unto me. 
<br/><sup class="verseNum">5</sup> And I turned myself and came down from the mount, and <b>put the tables in the ark which I had made; and there they be, as the LORD commanded me</b>. 
</blockquote>
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<hr id="whereTablets"/>
<h4>Where're the Tablets?</h4>
During a time only the tablets were placed in the ark of covenant and nothing else.
<ul>
<li>"There was <b>nothing in the ark save the two tables of stone</b>, which Moses put there at Horeb, when the LORD made a covenant with the children of Israel, when they came out of the land of Egypt." 1 Kings 8:9</li>
<li>"There was <b>nothing in the ark save the two tables</b> which Moses put therein at Horeb, when the LORD made a covenant with the children of Israel, when they came out of Egypt." 2 Chronicles 5:10</li>
</ul>
The tablets are in the ark of covenant. 
The ark was last mentioned in the Book of Jeremiah and its' last recorded location was in Solomon's temple, Book of 2 Chronicles 5, 6, 35.
<blockquote>2 Chronicles 5 <span class="small">(King James Version)</span>
<br/><sup class="verseNum">1</sup> Thus all the work that Solomon made for the house of the LORD was finished: and Solomon brought in all the things 
<br/>...
<br/><sup class="verseNum">7</sup> And the priests <b>brought in the ark of the covenant of the LORD unto his place, to the oracle of the house, into the most holy place</b>, even under the wings of the cherubims:
<br/><sup class="verseNum">8</sup> For the cherubims spread forth their wings over the place of the ark, and the cherubims covered the ark and the staves thereof above. 
<br/><sup class="verseNum">9</sup> And they drew out the staves of the ark, that <b>the ends of the staves were seen from the ark before the oracle; but they were not seen without</b>. And there it is unto this day. 
<br/>
<br/>2 Chronicles 5:9 <span class="small">(New International Version)</span>
<br/>"These <b>poles were so long that their ends</b>, extending from the ark, <b>could be seen from in front of the inner sanctuary, but not from outside the Holy Place</b>; and they are still there today."
<br/>
<br/>Note that Ark's poles can be seen from the oracle or inner sanctuary or the Most Holy Place, to the Holy Place but not outside the court yard! 
The Most Holy Place and the Holy Place represent a time frame, we're presently in the Holy Place phase. 
(i.e. where the candlestick, table, and the shewbread are. Please read sections below)
<br/>
<br/>"And said unto the Levites that taught all Israel, which were holy unto the LORD, Put the <b>holy ark</b> in the house which Solomon the son of David king of Israel did build; it shall not be a burden upon your shoulders: serve now the LORD your God, and his people Israel," 2 Chronicles 35:3
<br/>
<br/>"And it shall come to pass, when ye be multiplied and increased in the land, in those days, saith the LORD, they shall say no more, The <b>ark of the covenant</b> of the LORD: <b>neither shall it come to mind: neither shall they remember it; neither shall they visit it; neither shall that be done any more</b>." Jeremiah 3:16
<br/>
</blockquote>
<p>
In Jeremiah 3:16 the LORD proclaimed his word through Jeremiah concerning the ark of the covenant and what is to come.
Therefore <b>the LORD would have moved the ark during or around or after Jeremiah before the destruction of Solomon's temple</b>.
The LORD also used Jeremiah to prophesie the destruction of Solomon's temple, Israel's 70 years of captivity and the judgment of their captors the Babylonians.
</p>e.g. Jeremiah 25:11-13
<br/>"And this whole land [of Israel] shall be a desolation, and an astonishment; and these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years. 
And it shall come to pass, when seventy years are accomplished, that I will punish the king of Babylon, and that nation, saith the LORD, for their iniquity, and the land of the Chaldeans, and will make it perpetual desolations. 
And I will bring upon that land all my words which I have pronounced against it, even all that is written in this book, which Jeremiah hath prophesied against all the nations."
&nbsp; Chaldeans is Babylonians.
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<hr id="arkIsTabletsAre"/>
<h4>Where the Ark is tablets are</h4>
<p>
<b>The earthly ark could not be made redundant</b> because it have a purpose, like the "tablets of testimony/covenant" if not more.
The earthly copy is a replica of the original in heaven, the decrees are blood must be sprinkle on the earthly mercy seat so that it will be seen in the original in heaven as a testimony of the transferral of sin!
</p>
<p>
Thus the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of our sin, is no where more exact and proper for it to be presented.
The ark of covenant have also becomes the ark of testimony.
Therefore such testimony are likely not be moved or removed until after the end of this age where the great white throne is seated and all necessary judgement have taken place (Revelation 20:11-15).
Click on <a href="webResource.html#wyatt">Ron Wyatt</a> to find out.
</p>
Now something exciting is reviewed in the inspired scripture of the New Testament, <b>more things were added next to the tablets</b> within the ark of covenant.
<blockquote>Hebrews 9 <span class="small">(King James Version)</span>
<br/><sup class="verseNum">1</sup> Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary. 
<br/><sup class="verseNum">2</sup> For there was a tabernacle made; <b>the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary</b>. 
<br/><sup class="verseNum">3</sup> And after the <b>second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all</b>; 
<br/><sup class="verseNum">4</sup> Which had the <b>golden censer, and the ark of the covenant</b> overlaid round about with gold, <b>wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant</b>; 
<br/><sup class="verseNum">5</sup> And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly. 
</blockquote>
For the LORD's purpose physical items are added into the ark of covenant, symbolic of what is to come. 
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<hr id="tabletsViewed"/>
<h4>Tablets viewed at the coming era?</h4>
Our current <b>Church and Christian era is the sanctuary or the Holy Place</b> as described above in Hebrews 9:2 <span class="small">(King James Version)</span>
and <b>at the Lord's 2nd coming, will herald another era, called the Holy of Holies</b>, the inner sanctuary (e.g. 2 Chronicles 5:9 New International Version) or the oracle (e.g. 2 Chronicles 5:9 King James Version) or the Most Holy Place.
The contents within the ark are likely to be found once more although the ark may not be moved.
<b>The LORD commanded Moses to provide for the future nation of Israel while she was at her infancy, living in the desert</b>.
<blockquote>Exodus 16 <span class="small">(King James Version)</span>
<br/><sup class="verseNum">31</sup> And the house of Israel called the name thereof Manna [<i>Manna</i> means <i>What is it?</i>]: and it was <b>like coriander seed, white; and the taste of it was like wafers made with honey</b>. 
<br/><sup class="verseNum">32</sup> And Moses said, This is the thing which the LORD commandeth, Fill an omer of it to <b>be kept for your generations; that they may see the bread wherewith I have fed you</b> in the wilderness, when I brought you forth from the land of Egypt. 
<br/><sup class="verseNum">33</sup> And Moses said unto Aaron, <b>Take a pot, and put an omer full of manna therein</b>, and lay it up before the LORD, to be kept for your generations. 
<br/><sup class="verseNum">34</sup> As the LORD commanded Moses, so Aaron laid it up before the Testimony, to be kept. 
<br/>
<br/>"Moses said, "This is what the LORD has commanded: 'Take an omer of manna and <b>keep it for the generations to come, so they can see the bread I gave you to eat</b> in the desert when I brought you out of Egypt.' " Exodus 16:32  <span class="small">(New International Version)</span>
</blockquote>
At least the <b>golden pot of manna will be view by many and the contents are meant to be analysed!</b>
The pot are stored before the "Testimony", the ark within the inner sanctuary or Most Holy Place.
It's highly unlikely it was meant for the early Israelite to go in and view it; without proper decrees from God or his mercy or the laws, chance of being struck dead is certain.
On the other hand highly likely the LORD meant for the manna to be kept for <b>future Israelis</b>, to be able to truly "see" what it is, the only way is to analyse it! 
Otherwise on the surface it could be mistaken as flour or something else; just think of what people will say.
<p>
The earthly Most Holy Place will be where the earthly ark is kept; but alias, no one can go into the inner sanctuary, or perhaps know where it is on earth today!  
No one but the great high priest, when he returns the Most Holy Place will then be accessible (read subsection below). 
If the pot of manna'll be allowed, logically treasures such as <b>tablets of covenant</b> and the <b>Aaron's rod</b> will be also. 
I believe at that time as God purposed, they're not meant to be hidden; a testimony for future generation of what had came to pass.
</p>
There are symbolic meaning in going into the Most Holy Place (next era) and seeing the pot of manna (Jesus, the bread from heaven), 
in fact all the contents in the ark and the ark within that Holy of Holies have symbolic meaning.
Nonetheless the scripture is also specific on the physical "pot" of manna; 
The nostalgia certainly will not be out of reach for the future nation of Israel.
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<br/>[The topics of 2 eras' of are huge, I may discuss or move this in the future.]
<h5 id="holyPlaceEra">Holy Place era</h5>
When Jesus the lamb of God died on the cross, the temple's curtain was torn; that curtain is the 1st veil separating the court yard (outside) to the sanctury or the Holy Place.
This event herald the begining of the Church and Christian era.
Thus by FAITH in Jesus's blood, believer are cleanse and made righteous and are deem worthy to move from the court yard into the Holy Place (closer to Holy of Holies & mercy seat).
The court yard represent the era when the previous nation of Israel was the light to the world, it had a laver and brazan altar.

<ul>
<li>"Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. And, behold, the <b>veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom</b>; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;" Matthew 27:50-51</li>
<br/>Scripture suggest "the rocks rent" happen close to the time veil was torn; keep in mind no specific place(s) was said.
<li>"And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost. And the <b>veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom</b>." Mark 15:37-38</li>
<li>"And the sun was darkened, and the <b>veil of the temple was rent in the midst</b>. And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost." Luke 23:45-46</li>
<br/><img class="bordered" src="img/tablernacle.gif" title="Tabernacle image"  onmouseover="this.className='bordered_hover'" onmouseout="this.className='bordered'"/>
</ul>
<p>Hebrews 9:2 <span class="small">(New International Version)</span>
<br/>"A tabernacle was set up. In its <b>first room were the lampstand, the table and the consecrated bread; this was called the Holy Place</b>."
</p>
<p>The <b>candlestick</b> represent our present churches. In the Book of Revelation Jesus stood there among the candlestick which represent the seven churches (Revelation 1,2,3).
The seven churches stand for the different condition of all churches throughout this period, 
e.g. we are in the Laodicea church, compare to previous ages most churches nowadays are physically rich and live in complacence 
however at the same time we can't discount there may be a minute number of churches that are more fittingly describe by the other 6 church types.
The <b>table</b> symbolize saints' partaking at the Lord's meal, and the <b>shewbread, the giving of Christ's body, in remembrance of our Lord Jesus Christ until he comes again</b>.
</p>
"And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me." Luke 22:19
<blockquote>1 Corinthians 11 <span class="small">(King James Version)</span>
<br/><sup class="verseNum">23</sup> For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that <b>the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: 
<br/><sup class="verseNum">24</sup> And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me</b>. 
<br/><sup class="verseNum">25</sup> After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. 
<br/><sup class="verseNum">26</sup> <b>For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come</b>. 
<br/><sup class="verseNum">27</sup> Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 
<br/><sup class="verseNum">28</sup> But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. 
<br/><sup class="verseNum">29</sup> For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. 
</blockquote>
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<h5 id="mostHolyPlaceEra">Most Holy Place era</h5>
The gospel are preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations (Matthew 24:10-13, Mark 13:10-13), 
the time of Gentile are fulfilled (Luke 21:24), a great distress (Mark 13:20-24) and then a sign (Matthew 24:29-30, Mark 13:24-25, Luke 21:25-28).
<p>
When the Lord Jesus Christ returns with great glory, at the 2nd coming; many will perish at the brightness of his coming 
(those caught unprepared, are <b>taken away</b>; like the people in the flood with Noah and those lived in Sodom with Lot)
while the saints who are asleep or alive (alive are the "elect", the ones chosen by God which are <b>left behind</b>) will be caught up with the Lord.
This is the foretold mass resurrection, they are those who will be among the "first".
</p>
<p>
The event announce the next <b>era of the inner sanctuary or the Most Holy Place on earth for whoever still remains</b> after 
world's destruction and the mass resurrection.
<b>The LORD will once again chose the remnant of Israel to be the light to the world</b> (Ezekiel 36-37, Amos 9:11-15, Zechariah 2, 8; Romans 11:1,25-32). 
</p>
<p>
After sometime comes the great war, the "Day of the LORD", (Ezekiel 38-39, Joel, Zechariah 14:1-15) 
Israel conquered, (Zechariah 14:1-2) rescued and finally re-established (Isaiah 66:19-21, Jeremiah 23:3-7); 
<b>They shall look upon him whom they have pierced</b> (Zechariah 12:10-14) and the LORD will make his holy name known to all nation. (Ezekiel 36-37, Zechariah 2, 8)
The event will be the Mount of Olive split in two (Zechariah 14:3-4) thus revealing the earthly place of Holy of Holies.
</p>
<p>
The "<b>3rd temple</b>", <b>the 2nd blueprint from God to the Israelite since Israel's tabernacle (!)</b> will soon be establish. (Ezekiel 40-47)
The Temple area and top of the mountain's surrounding will be considered most holy.
</p>
<p>Ezekiel 43:12 <span class="small">(King James Version)</span>
<br/>"This is the law of the house; <b>Upon the top of the mountain the whole limit thereof round about shall be most holy. Behold, this is the law of the house</b>."
<br/>Ezekiel 43:12 <span class="small">(New International Version)</span>
<br/>"This is the law of the temple: <b>All the surrounding area on top of the mountain will be most holy. Such is the law of the temple.</b>"
</p>
<p>
They will become a great and holy nation, all nations of all languages will come and worship before the King, the LORD Almighty! Celebrate the feast of tabernacle.
Otherwise they be punished without rain. (Zechariah 14:16-21)
</p>
<b>Back to the tabernacle's "Holy of holies"</b> (Hebrews 9:3-4), this chamber represent this "Most Holy Place" era and also the "3rd Temple". 
Its' <b>golden censer</b> denotes worship and prayer...(Zechariah 14:16-21),
the <b>ark</b> figuratively the 3rd Temple's "inner sanctuary" and within lies:
<ul>
<li><b>Aaron's staff</b> that had budded; the line of Aaron will florish again, Zadok's desendent will serve as priest before the LORD. (Ezekiel 40:46, Ezekiel 43:19, Ezekiel 44:15, Ezekiel 48:11)</li>
<li><b>Tablets of covenant</b> symbolic of the old and a new covenant God will make with the new nation of Israel. (Ezekiel 34:25-31, 37:26-28)</li>
<li><b>Golden pot of manna</b> denotes Israel will "see" the bread of heaven and will worship him the Lord as God. (Zechariah 12:10-14)</li>
</ul>
Her "prince" of the line of David re-establish (Ezekiel 34:23-31, 37:24-26, 45:7-25, 48:21-22) emblem of the LORD & the lamb on earth (Revelation 21:22-24) perhaps for ceremonial purpose. 
She will again perform symbolic duty but with a difference; this time as a nation they will stand and not fall as in the past. (Ezekiel 37:21-28, Zechariah 2) 
<p>
<b>All the regulations, 3rd temple including its' measurements are symbolic of what is to come, 
i.e. the new earth, new Jeruselum and all the new order of things</b> (Revelation 21, 22)
There will be much history to pass before all will be fulfilled.
</p>
<!--
Numbers 17:8
The next day Moses entered the Tent of the Testimony and saw that Aaron's staff, which represented the house of Levi, had not only sprouted but had budded, blossomed and produced almonds.

Numbers 17:10
The LORD said to Moses, "Put back Aaron's staff in front of the Testimony, to be kept as a sign to the rebellious. This will put an end to their grumbling against me, so that they will not die."
-->
[The topics of 2 eras' of are huge, I may discuss or move this in the future.]
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